Greater Taunton agriculture faces hurdles from dry spell

Due to the recent stretch of dry weather, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern New England on Monday – including Taunton and the surrounding communities.

This dry weather – and the unusually warm winter – has already had an effect on local agriculture, and many are concerned that the toll could get worse.

By Christopher Nichols

The Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, MA

By Christopher Nichols

Posted Apr. 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 11, 2012 at 11:03 AM

By Christopher Nichols

Posted Apr. 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 11, 2012 at 11:03 AM

Dighton

» Social News

Due to the recent stretch of dry weather, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern New England on Monday – including Taunton and the surrounding communities.

This dry weather – and the unusually warm winter – has already had an effect on local agriculture, and many are concerned that the toll could get worse.

“(The dry weather) is starting to take effect on some of the lawns on the field,” said Kenny Araujo, of Araujo Farms in Dighton. “If we don’t get some rain soon, a lot of the farmers won’t be able to plant… It’s serious now.”

Terry Kalil, department head for floriculture at Bristol County Agricultural High School, said many farmers and gardeners in the area have their eye on the weather.

“The lack of rain has had an impact since last year,” said Kalil. “Everybody I know is watching. They’re watching to see when it’s going to rain.”

In addition to not watering the plants, the lack of rain has also had a negative impact on the soil quality in the area – leaving the ground hard, according to Araujo.

“There’s a lack of moisture. The soil is very compacted because when it dries, it packs down,” said Araujo.

He added that the soil was already in bad shape due to the mild winter. Normally, snow and frost help the ground soften when they melt, but this winter, the area didn’t see much of either.

Impacts of dry weather

The plants that will suffer the greatest impact will likely be perennials – plants that live for two or more years – according to Joe Ryan, landscape teacher at Bristol Aggie.

“It won’t have much of an effect on annual plants. It’s the perennial plants that will be affected,” said Ryan. “…Perennial plants won’t grow as much as they normally would.”

For Bristol Aggie – which is trying to prepare for its first Spring Sale on April 28 – many of the plants and grounds on the campus will have to be hand watered – rather than relying on mother nature.

“We will have quite a problem,” said Ryan. “Because we’re a school, we’re supported by student workers. We’ll have to rely on them for a lot of hand watering. We don’t have any automatic irrigation, outside of our baseball field.”

Melissa Duffy, department head of arboriculture at Bristol Aggie, also said the dry weather could have an effect on trees, which could have a domino effect on the rest of the environment.

“We need the water for all of our different ecosystems, and the trees roots will grow three to five feet deep to look for that water… Trees that need a lot of water could decline,” said Duffy, adding that this could impact animals that rely on trees.

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Her biggest concern, however, was wild fires, and she warned that even tossing a lit cigarette out of a car window could ignite a fire that could spread in this dry weather.

“Little things like that can start the whole thing,” said Duffy.

What you can do

The biggest tip offered to those looking to grow a garden this year is to keep a close eye on the plants.

“Constant vigilance,” said Kalil. “Keep an eye on plants, pots, hangers and new lawns.”

“Pay attention to (plants) a little closer this season,” said Ryan. “Pay attention to the soil condition. What’s going on underground is more important than what’s going on above ground… Monitor the soil condition with new and young plants.”

In addition to watering the plants, Araujo recommended making a raised bed and adding organic matter and other material such as straw and hay that will retain moisture.

“Have an awful lot of organic matter in your garden because that helps retain moisture… The more organic matter, the more moisture retention,” said Araujo.